Louise Round
Buckle up, it's going to be bumpy
Louise Round says districts have received small amounts of cash to help with planning for the impact of a no deal scenario, but this in no way compensates for the amount of time this planning is taking.
We cannot afford to take no for an answer
Louise Round says Tandridge DC was not 'one of the lucky 50' to get through to the second round of the Future High Streets funding round. She hopes Government will not make the second stage disproportionately difficult for councils to take part in.
Impartiality has never been more important
Louise Round says that for many in districts over the coming years, the lines - red or otherwise - may not be drawn on a party-political basis.
Districts are definitely ready for challenges
The last two sessions of this year’s District Councils’ Network staff development programme featured teams facing challanges in a calm, collected and very creative way, says Louise Round.
District councils are a force to be reckoned with
The DCN's annual conference recently had more than its fair share of cabinet ministers, says Louise Round - and this is proof districts are punching above their weight on housing and growth.
Does the People's Vote clamour herald a move to more referendums?
Electoral events are, of course, at the cornerstone of our democracy. But Louise Round asks if it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
The dangers of the 'no overlaps' approach to LEPs
Pursuing a 'no overlaps' approach to district representation on local enterprise partnerships (LEPS) could dilute the understanding of local economies, argues Louise Round.
We need to be using the 'C' word - conversation
We need to be talking with, not to, our communities about what would work in their places, writes Louise Round.
There are huge opportunities for districts to grasp
Collaborating and transforming is in districts' DNA, writes Louise Round.
Time to revisit our commissioning strategies and challenge contracts?
As some of the more traditional contracting arrangements get called into question, Louise Round asks whether it is time to challenge the notion that large scale contracts bring economies of scale and enhance service quality.
Why the Ombudsman is wrong about bin collections
Louise Round explains why she disagrees with last week's Local Government Ombudsman report on bin collection complaints.
All part of the plan
Doing the rounds of neighbouring councils is vital - if painful - when it comes to completing the local plan, says Louise Round
New ways of working
Louise Round reflects on the nature of accountability and the impact a blame culture might have on an organisation.
Riding the local government rollercoaster
The last few months have seen ups and downs in Tandridge DC, writes Louise Round.
Housing is not a game
Louise Round says preparing local plans feels very much like playing a confusing game - only the mistakes are far more costly than failing to win.
No part of the public sector is an island
Louise Round explains why the lack of social care funding is an issue for district authorities too.
Districts have a key role to play
Districts want to continue delivering on housing and growth despite serious uncertainties over policy, says Louise Round
The importance of partnerships
Councils must remember the importance of relationships in this era of Brexit, Louise Round
Under pressure
Choosing her words carefully ahead of the EU referendum, Louise Round says the number of elections is piling the pressure on local authorities
Cat's out the bag
With councils dealing with wide-ranging issues from fly tipping to feral cats, Louise Round urges local government to resist the urge to cut back to statutory services alone.
